In the human eye, the retina is the light-sensitive, transparent tissue that lies at the back of the eye. If this piece of tissue abnormally moves away from its normal position, you can be diagnosed with a condition called a detached retina. Retinal detachment can occur for a variety of reasons, including natural aging, severe eye trauma, eye surgery or alternate medical disorders. Though limited, the symptoms of a detached retina should be discussed with your ophthalmologist if they develop.
Floaters
A detached retina can result in minor bleeding within the eye. If this occurs, you can notice the appearance of abnormal shapes--called floaters--in your normal field of vision. Floaters can develop suddenly and are typically composed of blood or fluid. As retinal detachment progresses, the number of floaters that you see on a daily basis can begin to increase.
Blurred Vision
The retina is responsible for detecting external light that flows through your cornea and pupil. This light allows the visual image projected onto the lens of the eye to be developed by the retina. The image information is then sent to the brain--by way of the optic nerve--where it is translated, allowing you to perceive visual images. If the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, the efficiency of this visual process is compromised. As a result, you can experience abnormally blurred or cloudy vision as a symptom of a detached retina. This condition can cause a shadow or gray-colored veil to fall across your field of vision, making it difficult for you to see normally, explain health professionals at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts.
Light Flashes
As the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, you can experience unusual flashes of light within the affected eye. These bright light flashes can occur frequently and may be most noticeable within your peripheral vision, explain health professionals at Medline Plus. Light flashes that occur due to retinal detachment are typically brief but can significantly interfere with your ability to see normally.
Blindness
Left untreated, a detached retina can lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye. You can also develop partial or temporary vision loss within your peripheral or central line of vision. Such symptoms can significantly impact your ability to participate in your usual daily activities.
